Skytrax Certified 5-Star Airline

Etihad Airways has received the Skytrax Certified 5-Star Airline Rating - the most coveted quality standard in the airline industry, further strengthening its position as a leader in innovative guest experience, service and hospitality.

UAE’s national airline recognised for exceptional guest
experience, service and hospitality

Airline committed to providing the world’s best
travel experiences throughout the guest journey

The rating follows an exhaustive three month audit of
the airline’s global product and service offering by the London-based research consultancy.
The announcement was made at a special event held today at Etihad Airways’ Innovation
Academy in Abu Dhabi.

The Skytrax Certified 5-Star Airline Rating is used to
certify airline product and service, and is awarded to airlines achieving the
highest overall quality performance, recognising excellence in product and front-line
staff service across the customer journey. Airlines are assessed on criteria across all cabins
including seating, safety procedures, inflight entertainment, cabin
cleanliness, comfort amenities, catering, duty free sales, and reading
materials.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive
Officer, said: “This rating marks the culmination of over a decade of hard work
and continuous innovation – a milestone on the Etihad Airways journey. We are a
company which challenges the norms of air travel by drawing inspiration from
the finest hospitality establishments around the world. Today we are recognised
as the airline which is reimagining flying, and doing it with style and flair.

“This could not have been achieved without the passion and commitment of our people – from frontline staff at airports, cabin crew in flight,
to those who work behind the scenes in Abu Dhabi and around the world – all tirelessly
delivering the very best products and service in the industry.”

In the comprehensive
audit, high praise was reserved for the airline’s staff, noting their pride in
their company and product. The researchers also noted the level of detail in
the Etihad Airways service which few are able to achieve – combining discipline
with spontaneity and a genuine interest in customer welfare.

Edward Plaisted, Chief Executive Officer of Skytrax, said: “Etihad
Airways continues to be a leading player in commercial aviation. Achieving a 5-Star
rating is testament to this airline’s dedication to innovation, high-quality
service and comfort. Of particular note is Etihad’s attention
to detail and a meticulous approach to design, which has brought us – amongst
other unique products – the airline’s revolutionary
Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 cabins, which are clearly best in class.”

Etihad Airways’
inflight and ground crews reflect the airline’s focus on intuitive care and hospitality,
influenced by its strong Arabian heritage. The airline employs Savoy of London
trained Butlers, who provide the ultimate in discerning service for guests
staying in The Residence, the airline’s three-room cabin on its Airbus A380
fleet; qualified Inflight Chefs in First Class, who create the finest culinary
experiences; hospitality trained Food and Beverage Managers in Business Class; and
Norland College trained Flying Nannies to assist families on all long haul
flights.

Etihad
Airways has won numerous Skytrax awards for its First Class and Business Class
products, most recently receiving the coveted accolades for the World’s
Best First Class Airline, World’s Best First Class Onboard Catering, and
World’s Best First Class Airline Seat for its Airbus A380 First Apartment at
the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards announced in July 2016 at the
Farnborough Airshow.

Skytrax researchers found the quality of Etihad Airways’ inflight dining
to be world-leading, commending the airline for its multi-course
tasting menu served in First Class. The Inflight Chef in First Class prepares a tailored dining experience
using a specially provided larder of fresh ingredients. First and Business
Class guests can dine on demand at a time of their choosing from imaginative, carefully
created, à la carte and ‘dine anytime’ menus.

The airline’s new cabins were rated
highly with particular attention given to the luxurious First Apartments on the
Airbus A380, First Suites on the Boeing 787, and the new Business Studios and
Economy Smart Seats on both aircraft types. The award winning cabins have set a
new benchmark for space, comfort and privacy.

The researchers were also highly impressed by the new
Economy Class product, highlighting recent innovations and enhancements such as
the extendable ‘fixed-wing’ leather headrest, in seat power-point, USB facility
conveniently located in front of the guest, and the video touchscreen handset
at every seat in all Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft, allowing guests to
multifunction with both their handset and individual seatback touchscreen.

On
the ground, Etihad Airways operates a collection of 15 lounges around the world
including its flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi (new dedicated signature First
Class Lounge and Spa in Terminal 3; Premium Lounges in Terminals 1 and 3; a
Premium Lounge within the unique US Preclearance facility, and the Premium
Arrivals Lounge), Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Washington
D.C., New York JFK, Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles.

The
lounges are more akin to those found at leading hotels and private members’
clubs, and provide tranquil environments in which guests can relax,
re-energise, be entertained, and enjoy the fine dining experiences and
hospitality services for which the airline is renowned.